So what are parsnips? They are a root vegetable similar in appearance to a carrot, except they are white or cream colored. They are grown and harvested in the same manner as carrots as well. Their flesh is dense, like a carrot and very high in fiber. Parships are alsohigh in anti-oxidants and vitamin C.

I'm sure you have heard of parsnips. I am equally sure that you wondered what exactly they are, and how to cook them. Parsnips are a very underused vegetable, and I am not really sure why. They are every bit as delicious as any other root vegetable, in fact, they are sweeter and even tastier than many of their more bland relations like turnips. Many people also feel they are sweeter than carrots and are a great compliment vegetable to be cooked with carrots.

I would like to share with you, a few of my favorite recipes that include Parsnips. I think you will find them to be a great vegetable that you have been missing out on!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Peel and cut parsnips in planks (2 to 3" wide and 3 to 4" long)
Brush planks on all sides with melted butter and spread in a single layer in a roasting pan
Pour in the apple juice from the side, careful not to wash off the butter
Drizzle honey over each plank
Sprinkle sparingly with cinnamon
Roast for 50 minute to an hour, turning them over half way through the time

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
Bring apple juice and orange zest to a boil then lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes
Add butter and whisk to incorporatePeel and cut vegetables into 1 inch cubes
Spread in a single layer in the roasting pan
Pour apple juice mixture over vegetables.
Stir to make sure all pieces are coated in juice
Sprinkle with salt and pepper or cinnamon
Roast about 20 and stir
Roast another 20 to 25 minutes till veggies are golden and cooked through
Drizzle any remaining juice over the vegetables when serving

I hope you will try parsnips, I believe you will find them to be a delicious addition to your favorite vegetables.

Have a great week,

Jade :)

If you would like more information on how to grow your own Parsnips
I recommend this book:

I'll admit I'd never cooked a parsnip until I got married and my mother-in-law showed me how to use them in a soup. I discovered I liked them, but I have never known what else to do with them except make that soup. Thanks for the new ideas.